How to Protect Your Home During Stink Bug Season

Anyone who's ever had stink bugs in their home has probably immediately wondered how to get rid of stink bugs. It's no big mystery why; after all, though stink bugs don't bite or sting, they smell... well, not good. What else is not good? It's fall, aka sting bug season, where the pesky insects make their way into homes (maybe even your home) to seek warm shelter.

What are stink bugs?

Native to Asia, stink bugs only first arrived in the United States back in the 1990s, but now they appear in 44 states, sharing their wretched scent with far too many homeowners. The problem with stink bugs is that even if you swat them or squash them like you would a fly or an ant, they leave their stink behind even after they're dead. Yuck!

Because they can be difficult to get rid of, experts say prevention is key. To prevent stink bugs from making an appearance in the first place, make sure all the cracks around windows, doors, siding, utility pipes, chimneys, and any other openings are all sealed up. High quality silicone or silicone-latex caulk are good options to make sure the critters don't creep in. It's also a great idea to replace and repair any broken screens on windows and doors.

But if stink bugs are already in your home, the good news is that you have options.